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Vernon  

'It happened so fast'

UPDATE: 2:25 p.m.

A firefighter and resident were both treated for smoke inhalation after trying to save a dog from a house fire.

The fire started Thursday night on the bottom floor of a house on 39th Avenue.

Deputy Vernon fire Chief Lawrie Skolrood said both the firefighter and resident have recovered. He added the fire department always encourages people not to go back into a burning home once they've escape.

He said it was unfortunate they weren't able to save the pet.

Meanwhile, neighbours credited firefighters with arriving exceptionally fast.

"It could have been a lot more catastrophic if the guys didn't do the job they did," said Skolrood.

Fire investigators were sifting through evidence Friday, looking for the cause, but the investigation will take time because of the extensive damage.


ORIGINAL: 10:20 a.m.

When Alicia Settle looked out her window Thursday night, she was startled.

Smoke was billowing from the front and side doors of the house across the street. She sprung into action, quickly calling 911, then running across 39th Avenue to warn the residents.

"It happened so fast," she said. "Flames ignited from the bottom window."

Two people from the top unit managed to escape, but a young woman was screaming "my dog!" 

Firefighters arrived within a minute of the call at about 10:30 p.m., said Settle.

Another witness said a firefighter tried to rescue the dog – but wasn't able to save the pet. He was apparently treated for smoke inhalation. 

The resident in the bottom suite, where the fire seemed to originate, wasn't home at the time.



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